Monday, August 30, 2010

The Sufi poem that I posted in the previous post was quoted in the book "It's Really All About God - Reflections of a Muslim Atheist Jewish Christian", by Samir Selmanovic. It is a thought provoking book that has enhanced the colors in my understanding of God. Though I differ significantly on a few points, the majority of what I have read so far has allowed me to borrow the religious glasses of other worldviews and consider life as they live it and their experiences and understanding of the Unseen One.

Here is another poem he included in the chapter where the author shared his personal journey - A story of Croatia, the Soviet Union, and becoming the first Christian in a large Muslim family.

Written by an Israeli poet, Yehuda Amichai:

The Place Where We Are Right

From the place where we are rightflowers will never growin the spring.

The place where we are rightis hard and trampledlike a yard.

But doubts and lovesdig up the worldlike a mole, a plow.

And a whisper will be heard in the placewhere the ruinedhouse once stood.

"Giving up being right about God, about life, about ourselves, is a process of emptying. When emptied of our need to be in charge of all the answers we open ourselves to the stories of people we have always thought we knew. And as we listen and speak, we find our differing and difficult stories woven together, whole and beautiful for the whole universe to see." p. 43

Saturday, August 28, 2010

I pressed my lips to the tip of the squeegee handle and tried to look serious as I posed for my favorite artist. With a Bran Flakes box cutout taped to the end for the bell of the important angels trumpet it was almost the right shape for the reference picture. What would it feel like to be in orbit above the world?

Thursday, August 26, 2010

A while back I was experimenting with new blog options and accidently clicked "apply to blog." I didn't like the colors - but have been so busy that I haven't had time to change it! This blog will most likely continue to morph for awhile... until my fiddling around finds the right chord progression.

My buisiness: 60% working nightshift, 25% sleeping to recover from night shift, 10% teaching and working at Tristate, and 5% a miscellaneous assortment of necessaries like laundry, watering plants and scrubbing the bathtub.

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

"Corrie, what you do among these people is of little importance in the eyes of men, but I'm sure in God's eyes it is the most valuable work of all." ~ Casper Ten Boom

I have always been inspired and challenged by the stories of Corrie Ten Boom and her work in the underground in the Netherlands during WWII. Yet it was only when I began reading this book that I learned that she was fifty years old when she started this work. This book is the first in a series that chronicles her life experiences. It recounts the important lessons and events during the earlier years that prepared her for the darkness of the war and the unique ministry God gave her as a result of her experiences.

Do not ask "What can I do?" but "What can He not do?"

"I experienced the miracle that the highest potential of God's love and power is available to us in the trivial things of everyday life."

"When Jesus takes your hand He keeps you tight.When Jesus keeps you tight He leads you through life.When Jesus leads you through life,He brings you safely home."

Welcome - I'm glad you're here!

Surviving Cancer

I was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the esophagus in January 2011. A exceedingly rare occurrence for someone of my age and health. God has already worked miracles for me to still be here. I trust God - life or death - I love Him!

Update: August 2012 a PET/CT scan showed metastasis to bilateral lungs and multiple lymph nodes. The oncologist said 6-12 months. I have chosen to pursue natural / alternative therapy options instead of more chemo.

Thank you for your prayers and support!

Wisteria

A flowering vine with heavenly scented flowers. This what I want the music of my life to sound like.